As many of you know, I had a tournament in Wilmington this past weekend and had arranged team rooms for everyone on Friday. Around 5:01 p.m., I received a call from emergency services informing me that four of my players, ages 17 to 19, had been involved in a devastating car accident on their way to the tournament.

The players were traveling to Wilmington when a tire blew, causing the vehicle to spin. The tire then came off the axle, and the car flipped multiple times across the highway before coming to rest on the shoulder. Three of the boys were airlifted from the scene, and one was transported by ambulance.

Tragically, one of these young men lost his life. Another was just released from the hospital after eight days. One is grieving the loss of his little brother forever, and another continues to recover from a serious head injury.

These boys are more than players to me — they are family. I would like to put together care packages and provide support for the surviving boys involved, as well as additional support for the family who lost their son. The survivors also lost many personal belongings in the accident, and I want to help bring them a little comfort and joy during an unimaginable time.

I have already spent a significant amount on memorial items and support efforts, so I am asking for help from our community. Every dollar donated will be divided equally among those involved and used to support the boys and the grieving family during this difficult journey.

Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.